It can be no coincidence that Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, was given several pretty names: historic heart of Flanders, a city of all times, one of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe to name but a few.

The student city, with about 235,000 citizens and 60,000 students, combines an impressive past with a vivid present. Numerous tourists visit Ghent the citizens of which carry the nickname "stroppendragers" or noose-bearers. The historic heart of the city offers numerous places of interest. From St Michael's bridge there is a wonderful view on the skyline of Ghent with the three impressive towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry with its bell tower and St Bavo's cathedral with the world famous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck. For all facts about the history, night life and famous people born in Ghent, including the world-famous Leo Baekeland, who is the inventor of the first synthetic polymer Bakelite and obtained his PhD at Ghent University, we refer to www.visitgent.be.

Traces of the Middle Ages were preserved in many places. The old port with its guild halls on the Graslei and Korenlei is merely one example of the beautiful views this town has to offer.

Not far from the Graslei is the Castle of the Counts, once the medieval fortress of the Count of Flanders. Nowadays it is a major tourist attraction.

Ghent also has several museums, abbeys, beguinages, dozens of churches and historical buildings.

Not only art lovers but everyone can find something here to suits their taste. Ghent offers plenty of shops, restaurants and an exciting nightlife.